• BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

CITY TOUR OF LARNACA BY BUS

Travel around Larnaca, discovering the city’s attractions – from the Pierides Museum (interior visit) to the Winged Lion of Venice and other highlights. “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.” So said Zeno of Citium. And there will be plenty of stories to hear from your guide at the statue of this famous Larnacian who founded the Stoic school of philosophy. You will follow the scholarly journey of Zeno and the dramatic life story of Kimon, a prominent Athenian strategist, as you contemplate his bust. Your tour will continue to the medieval Castle of Larnaca (exterior view) and the picturesque Kamares Aqueduct and Faneromeni Church (exterior view). But the highlight of this tour will be your visit to the Saint Lazarus Church (interior visit). The building is believed to be erected upon the second tomb of the famous Biblical character and is, therefore, highly revered.

VISIT TO SALT LAKE AND HALA SULTAN TEKKE

Discover the miracles of Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke (inside visit). Natural and spiritual wonders await you at the salt lakes of Larnaca. Favored by flamingos in winter, Larnaca Salt Lake turns into a spectacular reservoir of salt and dust in summer. Legend has it that St Lazarus created this miracle, infuriated by the unkindness of an old woman who refused him food and drink. The lake plays a significant part in the history of Cyprus. You will learn about how its salt was used in the ancient times and how the salt trade became the main industry for the island. But this site has more to offer than its legendary natural miracles. On the west bank of the lake, a picturesque mosque is towering over the landscape, presenting one of Cyprus’s landmark views. Hala Sultan Tekke is considered to be the third most significant mosque in the Muslim world. It is highly reverred as the last resort of Umm Haram (Turkish: Hala Sultan), the wife of Muhammad’s companion and foster sister of the Prophet’s mother. Thousands of pilgrims come to Hala Sultan Tekke for a blessing every year. Even if you’re not an adherent to Islam, the mosque will stun you with its exemplary Ottoman architecture and fine calligraphy as you walk inside.

• LUNCH AT TRADITIONAL TAVERN

VISIT TO LEFKARA VILLAGE WITH LOUKOUMI TASTING

Travel to the Lefkara Village, home of world-renowned Cypriot embroidery. “Lefkaritika,” the unique lace originating in the village, has well-deserved its place on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Culture Heritage. Leonardo da Vinci is reputed to have visited Lefkara to buy the exquisite embroidery for the main altar of Milan Cathedral. And you will learn why lefkaritika attracted the legendary artist as you discover its finest examples at the Museum of Traditional Embroidery (interior visit) and Silversmith. But Lefkara has more to offer. The village is famous for lokum, confections made of starch and sugar, also known as Turkish delight. You will try fresh samples of the sweet treat at a small lokum confectionery in the old streets of Lefkara. As you explore the village, you will contemplate buildings made almost entirely from locally sourced stone. The tour will take you to the 14th-century Holy Cross Church (interior visit) where you will witness the remaining piece of the True Cross. At the Chapel of Agia Marina, you will hear the stories of the old monastery upon which the present place of worship was built.

• OVERNIGHT IN THE HOTEL